The Syracuse Silver Knights (8-4) will begin a back-to-back set on Friday with a rematch against the Baltimore Blast (8-3) at the Baltimore Arena.

The game is the first match of a congested end-of-January schedule. After the contest, Syracuse begins a three-game home stand on Saturday against the Pennsylvania Roar (1-11). The Knights finish their month hosting the Blast for the second time on Jan. 31.

Last time out, the Salt City side earned its first home win against Baltimore, 9-8, getting a game-winning goal from defender Bo Jelovac with 58 seconds left. The victory snapped the Blast's 5-0 record at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena. The Knights' offensive output was the second most points scored against Baltimore this season.

Forward Kenardo Forbes ended his two-game scoreless streak in the triumph, striking a three-point blast in the third quarter. The goal was the Jamaican's 16th of the year, good for second in the league.

Historically, Baltimore has thrashed Syracuse, posting an 8-3 record against the Empire State club. On the bright side, the Orange, Silver and Black tend to play competitively in the Charm City, with two of their series' wins coming as visitors.

The last triumph in Baltimore was a 12-9 decision in the club's inaugural campaign on Dec. 10, 2011. The Blast has outscored the Knights 58-46 in the five matches in Maryland.

Syracuse forward Machel Millwood has a connection with Baltimore. Millwood began his indoor soccer career with the Blast in 2004, appearing in 182 games for 174 goals and 113 assists in nine years with the club. Millwood earned four MISL Championships in his stint with Baltimore.

Additionally, Blast forward Adauto Neto is familiar with Central New York. He played for the Syracuse Salty Dogs in the A-League during the 2003 season. Neto made 19 appearances and tallied one goal.

Baltimore has relied on their defense, giving up just 52 total points. Offensively the team has notched 167 points, while relying on midfielder Max Ferdinand, midfielder Tony Donatelli and defender Mike Lookingland as the team's only players above 20 points, with 27, 25, and 23 respectively.

Friday's match will be broadcast live on YouTube on the Blast's official page. Baltimore's coverage will begin at 7:35 p.m. The game will be available shortly after its completion as on-demand content.-

The Silver Knights will have a quick turnaround, hosting the Pennsylvania Roar on Saturday.

The Knights topped the Roar in the opening match of the season 18-7 on Nov. 15, and equaled that feat on Dec. 1, 2013 in a 10-9 victory at Santander Arena. Forward Slavisa Ubiparapovic has been a terror for Pennsylvania, scoring five of his 11 total goals on the year in the triumphs.

Pennsylvania enters the matchup with some much needed energy after the franchise's first-ever victory Sunday, a 16-0 shutout of the St. Louis Ambush. Goalie Peter Pappas led the way with 32 saves, earning the MISL's Player of the Week. The success moved the Roar to 1-11 on the year.

Saturday's match will be broadcast live on YouTube on the Knights' official page. Syracuse's coverage will begin at 7 p.m. with commentary by John Paul Chunga and Mike Kirmse. The game will be available shortly after its completion as on-demand content.
- Silver Knights on the verge of locking up a playoff spot